There are a lot of reasons a meal can become locked in our memories, surfacing from time to time as a pleasant, even compelling souvenir. As I've said before, I generally focus on what's on the plate rather than on decor or service. But as I recall meals from the past, the key to unforgettable repasts is a combination of excellent food with an interesting, unfamiliar, or unexpectedly delightful location. Grilled lamb chops atop a hotel with a view of the sea and a string quartet playing in a coastal town in Croatia; truffle risotto, bistecca Fiorentina, and crostata cioccolata in a open-air place overlooking a market square in Sienna; two orders of asparagus, because they were too good not to have a second portion; lamb chops again; and two wild strawberry tarts (see asparagus) in a sidewalk table at a bistro bordering Les Halles. They were gastronomic and... More >>>